A former addict who spent Christmas in rehab after taking crack cocaine and heroin for half her life says she is determined to help others out of similar situations.

Holly Clark spent 16 years addicted to the hard drugs before a four-month stint in rehab gave her a fresh start.

And she says her experiences will mean she is well placed to help those going through problems.

The 31-year-old now volunteers for Cardiff organisation NuHi. The not-for-profit organisation, which supports those recovering from substance abuse, has just received a share of more than £370,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Holly, from Graig-y-Rhacca, near Bedwas , said: “I think I started taking drugs because of traumatic life experiences. I’ve been pretty stubborn in the past so I would get clean for a while but I wouldn’t address my underlying mental and emotional issues so got caught up in a getting clean then relapsing cycle.

'I've spent so many Christmases out of my face'

“But then I wanted to get clean and stay clean but realised I could only do this by understanding my experiences.”

In June she had to prove she was fit for rehab. Determined not to take methadone as a way of coming off heroin, she undertook “community detox” when she was monitored while living at home to prove she could stay clean.

Holly Clark

She later entered residential rehab for four months – coming out last month – during which she followed a strict daily timetable which included counselling and relapse prevention as well as day trips.

“It was really intensive therapy,” explained Holly. “I was in there over Christmas but because I don’t have any children it wasn’t too bad. To be honest I’ve spent so many Christmases out of my face I couldn’t remember the last one that I enjoyed so it was nice not to be on drugs.

Holly now feels 'fit for society'

“My greatest gift was the realisation that I needed to get through rehab and make a better life for myself. I felt apprehensive coming out of rehab but I now feel fit for society and ready to find a routine that works for me.”

Holly says she is now determined to get paid employment in a job where she can help other vulnerable women.

“I’m lucky that my relationship with my family is now good and that I’m in the best place possible,” she added.

“People may see what’s happened to me as a barrier to employment but I see it as strength on my CV as someone with my experience is in a very strong position to help others.”

The three-year NuHi volunteer said: “When I was in active addiction, education and training was the last thing on my mind. Confidence was at an all-time low and I couldn’t see a way out. I came across NuHi’s website and thought it could be something to help me and something else positive to put on my CV.

Funding will 'make such a difference'

“I started volunteering, helping to design and deliver training workshops to the wider community. My confidence started to improve and I could see a future for myself. I definitely found a new high in NuHi and I’m thrilled that they’ve got this lottery grant – it’s a real boost and the surprise letter gave me such a lift on the day I came out of rehab.”

The grant will provide a new website and online learning platform so people recovering from substance abuse can better access information and support.

NuHi founder Yaina Samuels, who has 15 years’ experience of being addicted to heroin and 25 years of supporting others in recovery, said: “This money is going to make such a difference. It’s been a struggle for five years with limited money and resources but we’ve still been keeping things going and now this grant will help us build towards the future.”

Other beneficiaries from the Awards for All funding include Pantri No 6 in Anglesey , which will develop a drop-in internet café for unemployed and low-paid people, Conwy organisation Coach Connect CIC and Manage Money Wales CIC in Pontypridd , which will put on community workshops focusing on budgeting and online finance.

In Powys , Wild Women Enterprise Co. will promote entrepreneurship to schools, colleges and young people that aren’t in education.